Omicron Spoils New Year Parties: Section 144 Imposed, No Party Allowed In These Cities

With the end of the year around the corner, state authorities have become attentive of the developing celebrations. The Centre directed states on Dec 22 to activate curbs on travel and social gatherings, with the onset of year end.

District administrations are keeping a close watch on the numbers of cases and are actively analysing trends and surges.

Amid all of these ongoing developments, different states have initiated Section 144, which prohibits assembly/gathering of four or more people in a given area, along with other restrictions.

Updates on New Restrictions Imposed in Different States

Delhi

• All kinds of gatherings, including political and social ones are banned.
• Educational institutions can operate only with strictly compliant SOPs.
• Restaurants and bars with 50% seating capacity, while movie halls and theatres can run with 100%.
• Banquet halls can be booked for wedding purposes but capacity is under 200 people. Same goes for funeral rites.
• Delhi Metro can continue operating at 100% cap, with not more than 30 pax standing/coach.
• Potential Covid superspreader areas are being identified before the two big year-end celebrations.

Mumbai

• Any kind of gathering of 200 people or more, in an open space or halls will require a mandatory prior consent from the local disaster management authority.
• Gatherings at closed spaces will not be allowed for over 50% capacity.
• In open spaces, people up to 25% capacity will be allowed, states a TOI report.
• Local ward office representatives will keep a check on whether people are following rules.

Gujarat

• The state govt has imposed night curfew in Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Jamnagar, Bhavnagar, Gandhinagar and Junagadh.
• APMCs, shops, beauty salons and other commercial establishments in these cities can operate until 12 am.
• Restaurants will be allowed to open until 12 am too but with 75% capacity, while movie theatres with 100% cap.
• Marriage, religious or political functions cannot entertain over 400 people.

Karnataka

• Large gatherings have been banned from December 30 to January 2.
• In clubs and pubs, special events and DJ appearances are not allowed during this period.
• No parties or DJ functions in housing complexes like apartments would be permitted.
• Churches would be open but church authorities would have to ensure following social distancing norms.